I'd Do Anything was the Saturday night talent show that cast the role of Nancy in a new West End production of Oliver! The show began on 15 March 2008 and - after 12 weeks of performances and sing-offs - Jodie Prenger was the winner by public vote. At the same time three boys were chosen to play Oliver, but without the stressful elimination rounds. The overall quality of the performers was very high and more than one star was born, with runners-up Jessie Buckley and Samantha Barks both going on to substantial success on stage and screen.
I'd Do Anything was presented by the ebullient Graham Norton and presided over by Andrew Lloyd Webber, judging proceedings from his golden throne. It built on the success of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do. The other judges were John Barrowman, Denise Van Outen and Barry Humphries. Each week the rejected contestant left the show with a brief chorus of "Be Back Soon" and a solo performance of "As Long as He Needs Me".
Money raised from the viewers vote on I'd Do Anything was put towards the 大象传媒 Performing Arts Fund, which gave bursaries to aspiring performers and musicians. The fund raised and distributed £5.2 million in grants over its 12 year existence.
March anniversaries
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大象传媒 Producer Guidelines published
1 March 1989 -
Truly Madly Deeply
1 March 1992 -
Launch of 大象传媒 Four
2 March 2002 -
Housewives' Choice
4 March 1946 -
Round the Horne
7 March 1965 -
Pennies From Heaven
7 March 1978 -
The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy
8 March 1978 -
French and Saunders
9 March 1987 -
The Frost Report
10 March 1966 -
World Service Television News
11 March 1991 -
First broadcast by the 大象传媒 Dance Orchestra
12 March 1928 -
Launch of the Latin American Service
14 March 1938 -
I鈥檇 Do Anything
15 March 2008 -
This Life
18 March 1996 -
First televised Budget speech
20 March 1990 -
Up Pompeii
23 March 1970 -
Letter From America
24 March 1946 -
Newswipe with Charlie Brooker
25 March 2009 -
The return of Doctor Who
26 March 2005 -
Grand National televised
26 March 1960 -
Troubleshooter
27 March 1990 -
Opening of new Crystal Palace transmitter
28 March 1956 -
Going for a Song
31 March 1965 -
Teletubbies begins
31 March 1997